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On the problems faced by the elderly:This century has seen a silent revolution of sorts with longevity increasing due to the advancement ...

On the problems faced by the elderly:
This century has seen a silent revolution of sorts with longevity increasing due to the advancement of science and medicine and fertility rate lowering relatively. The elderly have thus become the fastest growing section of the Indian population, from 12 million at the beginning of the century to 70 million above the age of 60 today.

The pace of life in both urban and rural areas has become rapid. In the face of growing industrialisation, which has led to younger people migrating to cities for work, the aged population of the country has been adversely affected. We have found that 90 per cent of the elderly in India come from the unorganised sector, which means no pension, provident fund or medical insurance. Forty percent of them live below the poverty line without adequate food, clothing and shelter.

On the need to address these problems:
When, in 1982, an International Convention on Ageing was held in Vienna, Austria, the Indian representative is reported to have said that the elderly in India faced no problem at all. That their awareness of problems is low. But that is not the case. Earlier, the joint family would provide the natural support system that they needed. Now, with its disintegration, this support system, too, is breaking down. Many elderly people I have met openly confess that they would stay separately if they could. However, they would rather stay in the family than go to an old age home due to the social stigma attached to it.

On meeting challenges:
A sense of independence and dignity has to be restored to the elderly. HelpAge India has been involved in the care of the elderly since 1978 and works by supporting NGOs that undertake programmes for the elderly through its fund-raising drives. This includes old-age homes, those that cater to leprosy and cancer patients, services like cataract operations and supply of hearing aids. We have also set up 18 mobile medicare units, one of which was inaugurated in Pune recently, where the main objective is to provide free medical services to the elderly living in poor economic conditions. We also plan to start a counselling centre for them soon.

HelpAge is pushing the agenda of the elderly in every way at the national level, including in matters of legislation. Many a time, the elders in the family are sidelined and neglected by their own. Some states like Himachal Pradesh have passed a law whereby parents can sue their children for not looking after them. In Maharashtra, such a bill is still pending with the government. However, it is regrettable that such legal steps need to be taken.